The Rays claimed Dewon Day off of waivers from the Red Sox. Day, 28, is a right-handed pitcher that split time between double-A and triple-A in the White Sox organization in 2008. He posted an ERA of 4.56 at triple-A despite 25 strike outs and only 6 walks in 23.2 innings.

Day was added to the 40-man roster, taking the last available spot. He does have minor league options remaining.

“Yeah, ‘The Mad Australian’. They call me that [in the U.S.] because I get pretty fired up sometimes,” Balfour admits. “It’s pretty full-on and intense during the season and I am just out there competing as hard as I can every pitch.”

Former New York Times columnist Murray Chass says there is good reason to group JC Romero with members of the Black Sox scandal. [Murray Chass…On Baseball]

Not sure how much of this is the new Spring Training home and how much is due to the Rays successful 2008 season, but tickets for Rays Spring Training games are selling fast. [Herald-Tribune]

Rocco Baldelli reflects on what it means to him to move from the Rays to the Red Sox. [Tampa Tribune]

“I think it’s beginning to sink in,” he said. “In a way, it’s sad because, obviously I’m from Rhode Island, but I also consider St. Pete my home. One way or another, the last nine years of my life have been spent mostly down there. I have a lot of good friends there, a lot of people who I’m going to miss. It’s a great place. I loved my time there and I’ll cherish it always.”

In her own special way, Her Rays went through all the stages of depression after Rocco Baldelli signed with the Rays. She was even willing to give the Red Sox John Gruden if they would have let the Rays keep Rocco…That doesn’t seem very fair for the people of New England. [Her Rays]

The other major leaguer from Rhode Island, Dan Wheeler, was named the New England Player of the Year. [Providence Journal]

Marc Lancaster says the Rays will likely head into 2009 with a platoon in right field with Matt Joyce in the minor leagues…It just seems to us, that as long as Gabe Gross is on the team, Joyce will start the year in triple-A. It just doesn’t make sense to have both players on the 25-man roster. [Tampa Tribune]

The Rays are working with Tampa Bay Watch to help restore salt marsh habitats. [TBN Weekly]

USA Baseball has released a list of 22 players that have expressed an interest in playing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. That list does not include any Rays. [Rays Report]

Rays Prospects has the final stat lines for prospects in the various winter leagues. [Rays Prospects]

How rough is it for corner outfielders and DHs this year? It looks like Eric Hinske’s only substantial offer at this point is from Japan. [MLB Trade Rumors]

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Day also gave up 29 hits, 3 home runs and 3 wild pitches in his 23.2 innings. Although he has not generally given up many home runs, he has averaged 4.6 BB/9 in the minors, and in his very brief trial in the majors was beyond awful. He does strike people out though and I think I read that he is a ground ball pitcher, two factors that may account for the Rays' interest in him.